The BBC is to scrap the controller roles for BBC1 and BBC2 after more than 50 years in a move that will see Charlotte Moore handed control of the £1bn-plus budget for all the corporation’s TV channels.

Moore, currently controller of BBC1, has also been handed control of content for the BBC iPlayer, and has been appointed to lead the “creative, editorial and strategic” direction of the BBC’s channels.

Such a dramatic change to the BBC’s operations – it will effectively centralise about £1bn of licence fee money decision-making under Moore – will raise eyebrows among the corporation’s critics given the newly-created role was only opened to internal staff.

It is a dramatic and historic change that will see the scrapping of the BBC1 and BBC2 controller posts.

Closing the job of BBC2 controller, which has existed since the channel launched in 1964, brings to an end more than 50 years of BBC history. Among those who have held the position are broadcaster David Attenborough.

BBC4 lost its controller role in 2014 when Richard Klein moved to ITV.

“This role will allow Charlotte to take a view across channels to drive distinctiveness, quality and risk-taking even further, whilst offering a single point of contact for programme makers and ensuring audiences get the best programmes, however and wherever they choose to watch,” said Mark Linsey, acting director of television.

Adam Barker, channel executive at BBC2 and BBC4, will take up the post of acting editor of BBC2 while recruitment for the new role takes place.

BBC4 editor Cassian Harrison and Victoria Jaye, head of TV content for the iPlayer, will now report to Moore.

The restructure does not affect BBC3, run by Damian Kavanagh, which will become an online-only channel next month.

BBC's Tony Hall: BBC1 and BBC2 controller roles axed to cut costs

Read more

“I’m honoured to lead the BBC’s channel portfolio into the future at such a significant time,” said Moore. “The creative opportunities this new approach brings will ensure the BBC keeps pace with our rapidly changing media industry. A united vision across the portfolio will encourage greater ambition and diversity of output, more creative freedom and quicker decision making”

Staff said they were shocked by the move when they learned of them in an email early on Tuesday morning.

It is understood to be part of the wider strategy of ensuring the BBC is ready for its digital future and part of the creation of BBC Studios, which is led by Peter Salmon.

The BBC said that the move will make for a simpler and more efficient structure and support new, creative approaches to programming and scheduling.

“I wish the BBC, Mark and Charlotte every success with the many changes BBC TV needs to make,” said Shillinglaw. “I’ve loved modernising BBC2 and BBC4 over the last two years but when you don’t get the big job it’s time to move on. And I’m looking forward to another big challenge.”

Shillinglaw will be entitled to the standard BBC redundancy payment and will work her six-month notice period.